The vision detailed in the CNFE is not realistic with regards to what can be achieved within the AAP and it does not detail any clear timescales for achieving the vision.
Any unrealistic, undeliverable and over-inflated vision will damage Cambridge's ability to meet the wider stated vision of both Councils - "... continued growth as an innovative, integrated, fair and sustainable city, whilst supporting sustainable economic growth and providing a high quality of life". Any misplaced vision for the AAP area may divert attention, infrastructure provisions and allocations away from more easily deliverable appropriate and suitable sites for the full range of business sectors.
One of the major factors to creating an employment led, mixed use neighbourhood at the CNFE site is the delivery of a sustainable transport network. Milton Road interchange to serve the site is questionable in terms of how it will be financed and there is currently no final design, delivery mechanism or phasing programme agreed on the delivery of this essential sustainable transport link.
The proposed vision details that the development will ensure that the aggregates railhead and the existing waste management facilities will be safeguarded and that new waste management facilities will be delivered. The retention of these uses and development of new waste management facilities within an area which would also provide for modern commercial business buildings / uses and urban living environs are considered to be incompatible. Noise, odour, vermin, dust and HGV traffic issues which would be associated with waste and minerals management operations will have negative impacts upon sensitive receptors and limit the marketability of the remaining land due to these factors and the perception of these factors.
The principles detailed in the vision are those which would be expected from a new modern urban regeneration scheme, however, the realisation of these goals is in significant doubt by virtue of several factors:
* transportation funding gap;
* lack of clarity on how and when the transportation improvements will be built;
* retention and creation of incompatible uses within the AAP boundary;
* lack of detail on how existing uses, which are also essential for Cambridge's continued growth, will be relocated;
* fragmented land ownership;
* a lack of understanding of market demands.